Kenneth Ray Cross, 53, of rural Memphis, passed away Friday, August 15, 2008 at his home. Ken was born July 8, 1955 in Washington, IA to Harold and Clarice Cross.

Ken attended elementary and high school at Wapello, IA, and graduated college at NE Missouri State University where he obtained his Bachelor and Master Degrees in teaching. He was currently working on his Specialist Degree at NW Missouri State University. Mr. Cross was employed at the Scotland County R-1 Schools for nearly 30 years.

Ken was united in marriage to Elaine on June 6th, 1987.

Ken was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Surviving relatives include his wife, Elaine, of the home; parents, Harold and Clarice Cross of Wapello, IA; two daughters, Angela and Jason Hawes and Tammy Howard of Memphis; two brothers, Jerry and wife Jo of Ardmore, OK, and Tom and wife Janet Cross of Wapello, IA; one sister, Carol and husband Rick Wyss of Iowa City; six grandchildren, Sidney and Madison Priebe and Jacob, Katie, Michael and Lucas Howard, all of Memphis; several nieces and nephews also survive; two sisters-in law, Sharon (Bud) Donaldson of Memphis and Phyllis (Alan) Gaffney of Milton, IA; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ken was an avid runner and enjoyed hunting and sports. He was a faithful fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and teacher.

There will be a Memorial Scholarship Fund set up at the Scotland County R-1 School in memory of Mr. Cross. All memorials can be taken or mailed to Payne Funeral Chapel, 202 E. Madison St., Memphis, Missouri, 63555.

Funeral Services were held at the Scotland County R-1 Gymnasium on Sunday, August, 17th. Jim Campbell officiated the service with interment following in the Memphis Cemetery.